ANDY HUGHES - will justify his price tag according to manager Alan Pardew

MANAGER Alan Pardew feels Reading have been forced to pay over the odds for Andy Hughes because of their moneybags reputation, writes Nick Ive.

An FA tribunal yesterday set the fee for the former Oldham player at £250,000 with a further £50,000 after a number of appearances.

County were asking for £500,0000 for him while Royals offered £150,000 for the midfielder who made 110 appearances for the Meadow Lane outfit. And Pardew said: "It is slightly more than I wanted to pay, but I think because we're Reading that has had something to do with it because of the transfer fees we've paid in the past and the wages.

"That shouldn't come into it, it should be gauged just on his football ability and I don't think this is the case.The figure in my opinion is too high. He was in and out of the side and he's done nothing special there.

"I feel I've done very well in the transfer market when negotiating club to club but this is the first time I feel I've paid over the odds.

"Had he gone from Reading to Notts County I would imagine the fee would never have been this high."

However, despite Pardew's feelings that Royals have been forced to shell out too much, the manger is certain Hughes will finally justify the price tag.

He added: "If Hughsey can become what I think he can become and we work on him then that valuation will be more than justified."

Hughes, who was out of contract in the summer, was not available on a Bosman free, because he is aged 23.

Oldham receive 20 per cent of the £250,000 fee which will be paid to County in one £125,000 installment before the rest of it is staggered over the year. On top of the £250,000 valuation, the Meadow Lane club will receive £25,000 after 20 appearances and the same amount £25,000 after 40.

County manager Jocky Scott accepted the decision by the tribunal and said: "You always expect a tribunal to split it down the middle. It's their job to look at both clubs point of view and find the middle ground. Perhaps Andy is worth more but their decision has been made."

Hughes, who missed the 4-0 Worthington Cup win over Luton because of a thigh injury, could be fit for Saturday's trip to QPR.